The Rich Neighbor Policy: Rockefeller and Kaiser in Brazil
Reviewed by Abraham F. Lowenthal
Focusing on the post-World War II business and philanthropic activities of Nelson Rockefeller and steel magnate Henry Kaiser in Brazil, this fine history examines the role of the U.S. private sector in transferring American techniques, technology and financial resources and in supporting Brazilian development. Whereas conventional wisdom suggests that the private sector is motivated by narrow self-interest while government policy is driven by notions of general welfare, Cobb shows that the private sector has sometimes shown a stronger commitment to consistent and constructive relations with Latin America than the U.S. government, and has been more pragmatic and reciprocal in its diplomacy.
